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Monday, January 24, 2011

EPA Approves E15 for MY2001-2006 Cars and Light Trucks

by David Rachovich
On January 21 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved an E15 waiver for model year (MY) 2001 through 2006 passenger vehicles, including cars, SUVs, and light pickup trucks.

The EPA on October 13, 2010, granted a waiver for E15 fuel---a blend of 15 percent ethanol and 85 percent gasoline---to be used only in MY2007 and newer light-duty motor vehicles (i.e., cars, light-duty trucks and medium-duty passenger vehicles). Previously, fuel blends were limited to a maximum of 10 percent ethanol, i.e., E10 -- Please read my remarks at the end of the related article here.

"These decisions were based on test results provided by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and other information regarding the potential effect of E15 on vehicle emissions. Taken together, the two actions allow, but do not require, E15 to be introduced into commerce for use in MY2001 and newer light-duty motor vehicles if conditions for mitigating misfueling and ensuring fuel quality are met. EPA is in the process of completing work on regulations that would provide a more practical means of meeting the conditions," said EPA. (see EPA' website here)

EPA's decisions will give a major boost to the biofuels industry. Also, biofuels like ethanol and other blends would help reduce foreign oil demand and greenhouse gas emissions.